Hazard management strategies

There are 3 main types of hazard management strategies. Modifying the loss which includes aid and
insurance. Modifying the vulnerability which includes improving prediction, preparedness and
educating the public on how to respond. Modifying the event which includes land use zoning,
construct a-seismic buildings and strengthening defences.

Japan management strategies

Modifying the event-

Tsunamis may be modified by changing the offshore coastal environment, for example with offshore
barriers, such as in the Ofunato Bay in Japan. Japan also has a tsunami wall which is 14 metres high.

Modifying the vulnerability-

Improving prediction, forecasting, and warning systems can reduce vulnerability. However,
prediction can be problematic as it can give people a false sense of security and there are several
cases where scientists have got it wrong. For example, Kobe (1995) in Japan when all the expert
scientists for prediction resigned as it took them by surprise. During Tohoku (2011) warning systems
were effective as they were sent out via phones and tv almost immediately which allowed people to
have time to evacuate. Another way Japan has modified vulnerability is to improve community
preparedness by investing in healthcare and education, practice drills, and storing supplies in open
public spaces.

Modifying the loss-

Volunteers within affected communities help in the relief effort, for example, Kobe (1995) in Japan
had 1.2 million volunteers. During Tohoku (2011) international aid, search and rescue teams, rescue
workers, and soldiers were sent in to help manage the impacts of the earthquake/tsunami.

Indonesia management strategies

Modifying the event-

Before an event, risk mapping can be used to predict liquefaction areas or lahar routes. This could be
used to produce land use zoning and strict planning laws to remove people and property from areas
at risk from volcanic eruptions at volcanoes such as Mount Merapi in Indonesia. Higher and stronger
sea walls and mangrove forests have also been used at Gle Jong in Indonesia where 70,000 trees
were planted after 2004

Modifying the vulnerability-

A high-speed warning system was established for Indonesia from 2008, enabling accurate warnings
to be given via 11 regional centres. There is a network of sirens and a few evacuation centres.
However, during a major earthquake in 2012 the issue of a tsunami warning revealed several
problems with the system. Effective warning systems are still desperately needed.

Modifying the loss-

International aid by non-governmental organisations such as red cross/ red crescent to help the
country manage after the eruption.
New Zealand management strategies
Modifying the event-

Technology can help construct buildings that are more hazard resistant (a-seismic) design, such as
the base isolators under the old parliament building in Wellington.

Modifying the vulnerability-

GIS (geographical information systems) mapping can be used to make decisions about evacuation
and is also useful in other stages of disaster management. For example, GNS science in New Zealand
use satellite and aircraft remote sensing data, including LiDAR (light detection and ranging) and
synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to create high resolution 3D data for the earth’s surface. Improving
roads facilitates the establishment of evaluation routes and helps the distribution of aid. After the
Christchurch earthquake build back better was a target for the community.

Modifying the loss-

During Christchurch (2011) around $6-7 million in international aid was provided. Also, aid workers
from charities such as red cross came to help, and 300 Australian police officers were flown in to
help manage the impacts.

Iceland management strategies-

Modifying the event-

A way Iceland has modified a hazard is by spraying seawater to cool and solidify lava flows at
Heimaey in 1973. They did this for almost 5 months. As the water hit the rock, it turned to steam,
allowing the lava’s heat to dissipate meaning it was less damaging to property and the environment.
Also, during the E-15 eruption last minute flood defences were used which allowed 700 people to be
evacuated. After the eruption these defences were improved

Modifying the vulnerability-

After the E-15 eruption more high-tech equipment was used to help monitor the volcano and predict
eruptions so the impacts would be less severe next time it erupted. Also, there was construction of
new roads/bridges so aid could be distributed easier which means Iceland are less vulnerable.

Modifying the loss-

During E-15 European red cross societies mobilised volunteers, staff and other resources to help
people affected directly or indirectly by the eruption. The European red cross provided food for the
farming population, as well as counselling and psychological support for traumatised children.
Haiti management strategies
Modifying the event-

After the 2010 earthquake homes were rebuilt to building codes with earthquake resistance.
However, this only happened in a small number of areas so if an earthquake happened again most
buildings wouldn’t be safe. Also, tires were used to absorb the shock from the earthquake and the
mangroves were replanted.

Modifying the vulnerability-

Haiti had no measures in place to mitigate the vulnerability of its people to the earthquake. It had no
strict building code on air seismic building design and there was no community preparedness on
earthquakes. In addition, land use mapping in no land use mapping low income countries is very
difficult due to rapid urbanisation. Poverty had caused migrants in Port-au-Prince to construct their
houses illegally (shanty towns) in high risk locations such as on steep slopes. The Haitian authorities
lacked the resources to manage this situation.

Modifying the loss-

Developing countries may depend on external assistance from international non-governmental

organisations such as CAFOD, MSF, and red crescent who will organise relief after the event. When
mega disasters occur like in Haiti 2010 the disaster emergency committee launches an appeal to
support emergency relief aid to prevent further deaths from exposure, hunger, thirst, and diseases.
However, during Haiti 2010 this didn't work as there was cholera outbreak that killed many people.